Key Negros Occidental leaders, led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, endorsed the senatorial bid of former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Wednesday.



Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez endorsed Pangilinan during separate courtesy calls. Former Gov. Rafael Coscolluela and Bacolod City Councilor Celia also expressed full support for Pangilinan’s return to the Senate.



During his meeting with Lacson, Pangilinan provided him a copy of the Sagip Saka Act, which he championed in the Senate as principal author.



Pangilinan said the law—which allows national and local governments to purchase directly from farmers without public bidding—will support various initiatives of the Negros Occidental provincial government, particularly its feeding program and relief operations.



The former Senator recalled that Negros Occidental was among the first beneficiaries of the Sagip Saka Program when it was still an advocacy of his office.



“Nakapag-abot tayo ng tulong sa mga sugar farmer ng lalawigan at farm implements para sa Enchanted Farm ng Gawad Kalinga sa Victorias,” said Pangilinan, adding that 20 fiberglass boats were also distributed to fishermen in 2022 through the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.



Pangilinan was also scheduled to meet with farmers and fisherfolk in Talisay City.